The doctor may need to tap a joint. This means putting a small needle into a joint that is swollen. This can help to find the cause of the arthritis. By removing fluid, the joint may feel better, too. Sometimes, the doctor will inject steroids into the joint to help decrease the swelling.

Eye exam by an ophthalmologist (should be done on a regular basis, even if there are no eye symptoms)

Treatment:

When only a small number of joints are involved, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be enough to control symptoms.

Corticosteroids may be used for more severe flare-ups to help control symptoms.

Children who have arthritis in many joints, or who have fever, rash, and swollen glands may need other medicines. These medicines are called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They can decrease or prevent swelling or inflammation in the body. DMARDs include:

Methotrexate is often the first drug used.

Biologic drugs, such as such as etanercept, infliximab, and related drugs block high levels of proteins that cause inflammation.

It is important for children with JRA to stay active and keep their muscles strong. Walking, bicycling, and swimming may be good activities. Children should learn to warm up before exercising.

Support and help for children who experience sadness or anger about their arthritis is also very important.

Some children with JRA may need surgery, including joint replacement.

Support Groups:

Expectations (prognosis):

JRA is seldom life threatening.

Children who have many joints involved, or who have a positive rheumatoid factor are more likely to have chronic pain and poor school attendance, and to be disabled.

Long periods with no symptoms are more common in those who have only a small number of joints involved. Many patients with JRA eventually go into remission with very little loss of function and deformity.